Transport
Everything you need to know about ferries, buses, taxis, parking, and connections from airports and train stations.
Ferry lines
7
Bus routes
5
Car parks
12
Bus ticket
€2.00
Travel times
Select two towns to see travel times between them.
Coast towns and car parks.
April to October
The main coastal ferry operator. Most reliable service on the coast. Buy tickets online or at the port kiosks. Salerno departures from Molo Concordia (near the train station). Boats are open-deck — sit on the left side heading west for the best views. Gets very crowded in Aug; book morning departures.
travelmar.itPrimary operator to Capri. Fast hydrofoils. Capri from Positano is the quickest crossing — 30 min. Buy tickets in advance online for summer Saturdays. The Positano-Capri route sells out fast. Sit on the upper deck for views of the Faraglioni on approach.
navlib.itHydrofoil service connecting the full Bay of Naples. Good option for Ischia day trips from the coast (Amalfi-Salerno-Ischia or coast-Sorrento-Ischia). Modern fleet. Covered seating — less scenic than Travelmar but more comfortable in bad weather.
alilauro.itCompetes with Travelmar on the Salerno-Amalfi-Positano route, often with slightly lower prices. Also runs Capri service. Check both Alicost and Travelmar schedules and pick whichever departs closer to your preferred time.
alicost.itSmall fast boats operating from Positano's main beach. More expensive than the big ferries but faster and with more character. Good option if you missed the last Travelmar. Also offers private boat tours to Li Galli and Capri.
positanojet.itThe local cooperative — smaller boats, more intimate. Essential for reaching Amalfi's hidden beaches (Santa Croce, Duoglio) that have no road access. The Grotta dello Smeraldo boat trip (€10 return) is the best way to visit the emerald grotto. Departs from Molo Pennello in Amalfi harbor.
coopsantandrea.itPositano's local boat service. The Da Adolfo shuttle is legendary — free if you have a lunch reservation at the restaurant, otherwise ~€5. Spot their boat by the red fish hanging from the mast. They also run Li Galli swimming tours and private Capri boat trips. Departs from the eastern end of Spiaggia Grande.
lucibello.itFerries are the best way to travel the coast from April to October. Scenic, comfortable, and free from the traffic of the SS163.
SITA Sud
Bus tickets must be bought before boarding, at tabacchi, bars, or newsstands. The driver does not sell tickets.
Tickets and passes
Corsa singola
€2.00
90 minutes, one direction only
Corsa singola 24km+
€2.90
Single ride, routes over 24km
COSTIERASITA
€10.00
24 hours from first validation
TIC Campania
€15.80
24 hours, all Campania public transport
Amalfi → Conca dei Marini → Praiano → Positano (Chiesa Nuova) → Positano (Sponda) → Colli di San Pietro → Meta → Piano di Sorrento → Sant'Agnello → Sorrento
SITA Sud / Busitalia Campania · THE iconic Amalfi Coast bus route — the SS163 from end to end. Sit on the right side heading toward Positano for cliff-side sea views. In July-August the bus is standing-room only by 10:00. Take the 06:30 or 07:30 departure to get a seat. The Positano stops are confusing: 'Chiesa Nuova' is the upper town (for Path of the Gods connections), 'Sponda' is the main stop near the beach. Connects to Circumvesuviana train at Sorrento for Naples.
Amalfi → Atrani → Castiglione di Ravello → Ravello (Piazza Duomo)
SITA Sud / Busitalia Campania · Frequent and reliable. The road up to Ravello is a series of tight hairpin bends — sit in the back if you get carsick. Gets packed before Ravello Festival evening concerts (Jun-Sep). Last bus back is around 23:00 but verify the schedule — missing it means a €25 taxi. Atrani is a request stop; press the button or you'll sail past it.
Amalfi → Atrani → Minori → Maiori → Erchie → Cetara → Vietri sul Mare → Salerno (Piazza Concordia)
SITA Sud / Busitalia Campania · The eastern coast route. Less dramatic scenery than the Positano side but much less crowded. Connects to Salerno train station (5 min walk from Piazza Concordia) for high-speed trains to Naples and Rome. Useful for catching ferries from Salerno port. The Erchie stop is near a beautiful hidden beach.
Amalfi → Pontone (Scala) → Agerola (San Lazzaro) → Agerola (Bomerano)
SITA Sud / Busitalia Campania · Essential for hikers. Bomerano is the starting point of the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). Take the first bus to start the hike before the heat. The road climbs steeply above Amalfi through the Valle dei Mulini — beautiful views. Agerola is also famous for its fiordilatte mozzarella — grab some at a local caseificio. Limited departures; check the schedule the day before.
Maiori → Tramonti (Polvica) → Tramonti (Pietre)
SITA Sud / Busitalia Campania · Reaches the hidden valley of Tramonti — scattered hamlets in the mountains above Maiori. Famous for wine (the RE Rosso della Costa d'Amalfi) and pizza (many claim the wood-oven pizza tradition here predates Naples). Very few tourists. Limited schedule — plan carefully.
Fixed fares
| From | To | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maiori | Ravello | €30 | Via the winding SP1. 15 min. |
| Maiori | Amalfi | €25 | 10 min along the coast road. |
| Maiori | Minori | €10 | 3 min — barely worth a taxi, but useful with luggage. |
| Maiori | Positano | €70 | 40 min via SS163. Summer traffic can push this to 60 min. |
| Amalfi | Ravello | €25 | 15 min up the hairpins. The classic taxi ride. |
| Amalfi | Positano | €55 | 25 min via SS163. Ferry is often faster and cheaper. |
| Amalfi | Atrani | €10 | 3 min. Walk instead — it's 5 minutes through the tunnel. |
| Amalfi | Minori | €15 | 8 min east. |
| Amalfi | Cetara | €30 | 20 min via Maiori. |
| Amalfi | Vietri sul Mare | €40 | 25 min. |
| Positano | Praiano | €25 | 10 min along SS163. |
| Positano | Ravello | €70 | 40 min. A long ride — consider bus to Amalfi + taxi up. |
| Positano | Sorrento | €80 | 40 min. Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento connects to Naples. |
| Ravello | Minori | €20 | 12 min downhill. Or walk it in 45 min through Pontone. |
| Salerno Stazione | Amalfi | €70 | 35 min. Agree on the price before departure. Some drivers try to charge more. |
| Salerno Stazione | Maiori | €55 | 25 min. Direct via the eastern coast. |
| Salerno Stazione | Positano | €120 | 1h. Long transfer — ferry from Salerno is a better option if available. |
| Salerno Stazione | Ravello | €75 | 40 min via Maiori. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Amalfi | €130-160 | 90 min-2h depending on traffic. Motorway to Salerno + coast road. Book in advance. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Positano | €150-200 | 90 min-2.5h. The most expensive transfer on the coast. Book through your hotel for better rates. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Maiori | €120-150 | 75 min-1.5h. Via A3 motorway to Cava de' Tirreni, then coast. |
| Napoli Aeroporto (Capodichino) | Ravello | €140-170 | 90 min-2h. Same as Amalfi + 15 min up the mountain. |
| Napoli Centrale | Amalfi | €130-150 | Same as airport, slightly closer. Train to Salerno (40 min, €5-12) + taxi from Salerno is much cheaper. |
| Roma (any) | Amalfi | €400-600 | 3h+ drive. Only makes sense for groups of 4. Otherwise take the high-speed train Roma-Salerno (2h 30min, €25-50) + bus or taxi. |
| Roma (any) | Positano | €450-650 | 3h+. Same advice: train to Salerno + local transfer is far cheaper. |
Taxi fares are fixed by municipal agreement. Always confirm the price before getting in. Fares are per car (up to 4 passengers), not per person.
Before 09:00
Prices spike in July and August. Arrive before 09:00 or forget it. Maiori has the most generous parking on the coast.
Positano
Main parking for Positano, on the SS163 above town. Connected to the center by local shuttle bus (€1.50, every 15 min). In summer it fills by 10:00 — arrive early or give up and take the SITA bus. The shuttle drops you at Chiesa Nuova; from there it's stairs down.
Smaller lot east of Positano near Laurito cove. Closer to Fornillo beach. Fewer spots but less known. From here you can walk down to the beach area in about 15 min.
The closest lot to Spiaggia Grande — and priced accordingly. On Via Cristoforo Colombo. Often full by 09:00 in summer. If you see a spot, take it immediately.
Amalfi
The largest parking in Amalfi, on the waterfront east of the center. Multi-story garage. Usually has space even in peak season. 5 min walk to Piazza Duomo. The most reliable option.
Open-air lot near the port. Fills quickly in summer. Right next to the ferry terminal — convenient if combining car + ferry. 3 min to the Duomo.
Ravello
Tiny lot right at Piazza Duomo. Almost impossible to find a spot in summer. Locals park here — tourists almost never get lucky. Try it, but have a backup plan.
Main parking for Ravello, near the Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer. The most realistic option. 5 min walk uphill to Piazza Duomo. During Ravello Festival concerts (Jun-Sep), this fills early — arrive by 17:00 for evening events.
Maiori
Maiori has the most generous parking on the coast — the lungomare lot stretches along the beach road. Usually has spots even in August. Maiori is the best base if you want to drive the coast, precisely because of parking availability.
Near the small harbor. Convenient for the ferry. Less crowded than the lungomare lot.
Minori
Along the seafront. Small but usually manageable. Minori is quieter than Amalfi and finding a spot is easier.
Cetara
Small lot in the center. Cetara is a working fishing village — parking is tight but cheaper than anywhere else on the coast. Come for the colatura di alici (anchovy extract) and leave before lunch crowds.
Vietri sul Mare
At the eastern gateway to the coast. Easy parking and good access to the ceramic workshops. From here you can also walk to Salerno along the seafront (30 min).
Rental
Requirements
Valid driving license (EU or international). Minimum age 18. Helmet mandatory (provided). No specific motorcycle license needed for 125cc or under in most EU countries.
The fastest way to move on the coast — you skip all traffic. But the SS163 is narrow, curving, and shared with buses and trucks. Not for beginners. Drive defensively, hug the right, and beware of blind corners. Rental shops in Amalfi, Maiori, and Positano. Book 1-2 days ahead in summer. Fuel is your responsibility — there are petrol stations in Maiori, Amalfi, and Positano.
Requirements
Valid driving license (EU or international) + credit card for deposit. Minimum age 21 (some agencies 25). Full insurance recommended — narrow roads + other drivers = scratches.
Honestly? Don't rent a car to explore the Amalfi Coast unless you're an experienced European driver comfortable with cliff roads, no guardrails, and oncoming buses on blind corners. The SS163 is legendary for a reason. If you must drive: rent the SMALLEST car available (Fiat 500, Smart, Panda). Anything larger will not fit through Positano or Amalfi's streets. Rental agencies in Salerno, Sorrento, and Naples airport.
Requirements
No license needed for boats under 40HP / under 10m in Italy. For larger boats, you need a 'patente nautica'. Fuel extra.
The BEST way to see the coast. A self-drive gozzo (traditional wooden boat) from Amalfi, Positano, or Maiori lets you reach hidden beaches, swim in coves, and see the coast from the sea — the way it was meant to be seen. Book through your hotel or at the harbor. Bring sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag. Afternoon winds can pick up — morning is calmer. If you're not comfortable driving a boat, hire a skipper — they'll take you to spots you'd never find alone.
Arriving
Napoli Capodichino AirportNAP
Distance to coast: 65-90 km (depending on destination)
The easiest option. Book through your hotel or a reputable service (positanoshuttle.com, amalficoasttransfer.com). Driver meets you at arrivals. Fixed price per car, not per person. Worth it after a long flight.
Budget option. Take the Buonotourist bus from the airport to Salerno train station (75 min, ~€8). Walk 10 min to Molo Concordia for Travelmar ferries (Apr-Oct only). The scenic ferry ride makes up for the journey length.
More connections but more changes. The Alibus runs every 20 min from the airport to Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale station). From Salerno you have both bus and ferry options to the coast.
Salerno Stazione Centrale
Distance to coast: 20-50 km
BY FAR the best option Apr-Oct. Walk 10 min from the train station to Molo Concordia (follow signs to 'Porto Turistico'). Scenic, comfortable, no traffic. Check timetables on travelmar.it. Last ferry usually around 19:00-20:00.
Year-round service. Buy tickets at the tabacchi in the station or at Piazza Concordia. The bus stop is at Piazza della Concordia, 5 min walk from the station. More frequent than ferries but less comfortable.
Fixed fares available. Official taxi rank outside the station. For Maiori €55, Amalfi €70, Positano €120. Agree on the price before departure.
Napoli Centrale / Piazza Garibaldi
Distance to coast: 60-85 km
The classic backpacker route. Circumvesuviana train (€4.20, every 30 min) runs through Pompeii and the Sorrentine coast to Sorrento. From Sorrento port, ferries to Positano (35 min) and Capri (20 min). WARNING: the Circumvesuviana is notoriously crowded, slow, and hot. Keep valuables close. But it's an experience.
The SMART route. High-speed trains run every 30 min (€10-20, book on trenitalia.it or italotreno.it). Regional trains are slower but just €5. From Salerno, take the ferry — it's the best last leg of the journey. This route avoids the Circumvesuviana entirely.
Same as from the airport. Can be arranged in advance. Meets you at the station exit.
Roma Termini
Distance to coast: 270 km
THE recommended route from Rome. Book the Frecciarossa on trenitalia.it — early booking gets you €19 'Super Economy' fares. The 2h 15min flies by. From Salerno station, walk to Molo Concordia for the ferry (Apr-Oct) or take the SITA bus. You can be on the Amalfi Coast 4 hours after leaving Rome, stress-free.
Longer and more changes. Only choose this if your destination is Positano (slightly closer from Sorrento side) or if you want to visit Pompeii on the way. The Salerno route is easier for Amalfi, Maiori, Ravello.
Only makes sense for groups of 4 splitting the cost. Otherwise the train is faster, cheaper, and less stressful. Motorway tolls are ~€30 on top of the transfer price.
Sorrento (Circumvesuviana terminal)
Distance to coast: 20-45 km
Multiple operators (Alilauro, NLG, Alicost). Walk downhill from the station to the port (15 min) or take the bus. Ferries Apr-Oct. The Positano approach from the sea is one of the most beautiful sights in Italy.
Year-round. The bus station is next to the Circumvesuviana station. Same route as Amalfi-Sorrento in reverse. Left side for sea views heading east.
Routes